A person has died, and five others have been injured following a crash in south Taranaki amid traffic chaos for motorists returning home after the holidays.
Emergency services were alerted to the two-vehicle crash on State Highway 3 in Mokoia around 5.15pm.
One person was killed in the crash, while five others were injured – two seriously and three moderately.
Diversions are in place at Gladstone Rd in Hāwera and Whakamara Rd just south of Mokoia.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
The road remains closed while the serious crash unit conduct a scene examination.
Traffic chaos
Meanwhile, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is down to two northbound lanes after a crash near the centre of the bridge.
Police were alerted to the multi-vehicle crash around 2.30pm, a police spokesperson told 1News.
No one was injured in the collision.
However, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said drivers should expect delays northbound at this time.
“Congestion is present northbound between SH1/SH16 Spaghetti Jct and the bridge itself,” an NZTA spokesperson said.
Police said traffic in the Waikato region had been impacted by two separate crashes southeast of Hamilton.
A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SH1 and Maungatautari Rd was reported at 11.35am while a second two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SH29 and Totman Rd was reported at 12.40pm.
“There are no serious injuries reported in either crash, but they have both impacted traffic and motorists are advised to expect delays,” a police spokesperson said.
Further south, SH94 near the Homer Tunnel in Fiordland was closed between Chains On Bay and The Chasm following a collision.
Police said the two-vehicle crash was reported around 3.45pm.
“Initial indications suggest there are injuries,” police said.
The road has since reopened.
